This is sad news indeed. This festival has been the highlight of my year since 2002. Ive been a Gold Badge holder since then, even when I havent loved the lineup (which, fortunately, is rare), because there really is no other experience like this festival. I would really hate to see it end.
That said, its also a business. Its not a charity, nor should we expect Glenn to sink his time and money into something thats not going to bring a return on his investment. The business model is dependent on ticket sales as in all tickets sold and if that doesnt happen then ending the fest is the logical however heartbreaking conclusion.
So how do you move those tickets? I think its harder for us to see the challenge there, because for the most part were the choir the dedicated, repeat attendees, Sponsors and Gold Badge holders who are going to come regardless of how well the lineups suit our individual tastes. The challenge is getting new attendees through the doors, and it seems to me that means either getting bigger names within the progressive and power metal genres (and breaking the bank in the process) or getting bands with more mainstream/cross-genre appeal (and risk damaging the whole identity of the festival). Its a tough road either way, and I dont envy Glenn having to make these decisions.
For our part, I dont think the answer is fundraising or raising rates (admirable as those ideas are). I think we all have a measure of our identities tied to this festival (I know I do) and want to help shoulder the burden, so to speak. It seems to me that our role is to spread the word and try to help fill those seats. Ive always thought that if you can get someone to go just once youll make them a believer for life. Unfortunately its hard to get people to make that investment. Ive got two of my HRH colleagues planning (sadly they have not pulled the trigger and bought tickets yet) to go this year, and thats the most luck Ive had in eleven years of evangelism. Ill keep trying though, and Im sure the rest of you will too.
